Visitors to the Yorkshire Brewery brew tower (1867) — now part of a residential development on the wider brewery site — can “look” into the past and discover its history and context. A combination of stereoscopic viewers and interpretive signposts guide the way. The Lovell Chen interpretation scheme for the site was installed following the completion in 2016 of conservation works to the tower.

In the development of an interpretation plan, we identified a core theme and several supporting ones. The core theme is to celebrate and recognise Yorkshire Brewery as a remnant of Collingwood’s industrial past as the city goes through a time of significant change. Supporting themes include context, people and beer-making processes. Brewery-related operations ceased on the site in the late 1980s.

To implement the plan, we teamed up with local artist David Burrows, and together developed the viewer and signpost ideas, which reflect our interest in integrating interpretive elements into hard landscaping and wayfinding. The design of the signage and the materials chosen are also responses to the former industrial nature of the site.

Lovell Chen undertook conservation works to the brew tower, the design of the pavilion located in the courtyard, and a conservation management plan (2011). The new residential buildings and precinct are by Hayball.